Rotatable POS Printer Display Mount for Better Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing POS system printers have limited visibility and require significant installation space, leading to inconvenience and increased costs due to the fixed orientation of display devices and the need for additional components like printer stands.

Innovation Solution

A thermal printer design with a separably mounted display device that can be rotated 180°, allowing flexible installation and orientation without a separate stand, thereby enhancing visibility and reducing space and cost requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the display device is fixed to the back surface side of the support portion, then the structure is simple, but the viewing angle is limited and visibility is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display device is made rotatable relative to the printer main body through a rotation mechanism, allowing the viewing angle to be dynamically adjusted from a fixed state. This enables the display to be oriented towards the front or side for better visibility while maintaining structural integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a printer stand is used to support both the printer and display device, then the installation is stable, but the installation space required is large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation stabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The display device is integrated directly onto the printer main body through a rotation mechanism, merging two previously separate components (printer and display) into a single compact unit. This eliminates the need for a separate printer stand and reduces the overall installation space while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If the display device is integrated onto the printer, then the space is saved, but the display orientation is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoiddisplay orientation
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A rotation mechanism is introduced between the display device and printer main body, enabling the display to be dynamically oriented in multiple directions (front, side, or angled positions). This provides adaptability for different installation scenarios while keeping the display integrated on the printer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the printer and display device are installed separately, then the visibility is sufficient, but the number of components increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display device is merged with the printer main body through an integrated rotation mechanism, reducing the number of separate components (eliminating the need for a separate stand or mounting structure). The display maintains good visibility by being positioned on the printer housing with rotatable capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3666536B1printer
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 SEIKO INSTR INC
  • EP3666536B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3666536B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3666536B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A printer (3) includes: a printer housing (10), which includes a plurality of outer surfaces (21) including a bottom surface (22) opposed to an installation surface (S), and has a recording paper receiving portion (30) configured to receive recording paper (P) through an opening portion (20); a printer cover (11), which is coupled to the printer housing (10), and is configured to openably cover the opening portion (20); a printer display device (6), which is removably mounted to the outer surface (21), of the plurality of outer surfaces (21), other than the bottom surface (22), and is configured to display predetermined information; and a connection cable (7), which is connected between the printer housing (10) and the printer display device (6), and is configured to communicate at least data related to the predetermined information. The printer display device (6) includes: a fixing portion (40) separably mounted to the outer surface (21); a display portion main body (50) having a display portion (51) configured to display the predetermined information provided thereon; and a hinge portion (60) configured to couple the fixing portion (40) and the display portion main body (50) to each other so that the display portion main body (50) is displaced relative to the fixing portion (40).